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Panel backs bill allowing parents to buy Medicaid coverage for severely disabled children
Summary
HB881 would let parents buy into Medicaid for children with severe disabilities (Katie Beckett buy‑in). Proponents said the change would preserve family employment and access to therapies; committee voted to pass the bill.
The committee voted to advance HB881, a proposal to implement a Katie Beckett Medicaid buy‑in enabling parents of federally defined severely disabled children to purchase Medicaid coverage for services their private insurance does not cover. Representative Mary Cafero, the sponsor, said the program would let parents keep working while ensuring children receive long‑term services such as in‑home nursing, tracheostomy care and durable medical equipment.
Multiple advocacy groups, physicians and independent living centers testified in support. Lauren Wilson, a pediatrician and advocacy chair for the Montana chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said the bill would be “life changing” for patients whose families struggle to access home‑based care and therapies while waiting on waiver lists.
Supporters argued the buy‑in reduces institutionalization by funding services at home and may reduce demands on school special‑education resources later. The committee passed HB881 in executive action and recorded the roll call; the bill will proceed for further consideration.
